Rather than a traditional funeral or memorial service, many
people find that a
life celebration ceremony is
more in line with the wishes, beliefs, and values of a loved one that has
passed away. It's what he or she would have wanted —
rather than a somber affair with religious overtones.

By
contrast, a life celebration ceremony is a joyous occasion that centers on the
life that the loved one lived and the indelible mark that he or she left on
those who knew him or her best. It is also an opportunity for those who knew her or him from differing perspectives to
join their stories in painting a multi-textured portrait of the loved one that will forever remain
in the memories of those who are present —
adults and children alike.
The ceremony itself may be held in any location ... indoors or outdoors, in a
park, private home, chapel, or other facility.

While there are no rules on what the
ceremony may include, will believe there should be no unpleasant "surprises." Here is a sequence of
possible events:

●

Officiant opens with a welcome
to the family and friends.● Officiant describes the ceremony and how it aligns with the wishes of the
family and/or the loved one. (i.e., "...had a very specific requirement,
... asked that we be joyful and let this be a time of celebration, rather than
mourning.") ● (if applicable) Officiant describes how she or he knew the loved one or was
chosen to officiate the ceremony.● Friends and family members are asked to come forward and share a humorous or
uplifting story ... or perhaps some little known fact about the loved one.
(Woven together these anecdotes may paint the picture of a life that few if any
were ever aware of in total.)● A reading and/or favorite poem may be included at any point in the ceremony. It may be
read by the officiant or a friend or family member.● A slide show representing a panorama of the loved one's life is shown. The
slide show may also be accompanied by music ... perhaps one or more of the loved
one's favorites.
Officiant ends with a closing comment and (if applicable) an invitation for
the guests to attend a reception.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony is an uplifting,
warm and joyous occasion. It is an opportunity to honor the loved one and their families by
sharing remembrances and being together to comfort and support one another. The loved one is with us in spirit
and will live on in every remembrance each of us have every single day.

The Pneuma Center will be honored
to engage with you to deliver a warm and uplifting Life Celebration Ceremony in the following ways:

● Conferring with friends and
family members in preparation for the ceremony (eliciting anecdotes, inviting
participation, etc.)● Orchestrating and officiating the ceremony● Preparing a slide show for the ceremony, for those who want this optional
service

For information on Life
Celebration Ceremonies, call us at (972) 985-1731 or send an e-mail message by
clicking <here>.